HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE – SOUTHWEST (WEST LOOP)
FALL 2015
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Gracie A. Roberts, M.A.
Psychology 2301- Introduction to Psychology
CRN: 76775 16-WK Credits: 3 TU/TR 8:00 a.m - 9:30 a.m.
E-mail address: gracie.roberts@hccs.edu
TEXTBOOKS
The textbook is required for this course.
King, L. A. (2014). The Science of Psychology: An Appreciative View, (3rd Edition). McGraw-Hill
Education: New York.
The book is a package with an internet-based assignment and assessment tool called Connect and
contains an access code for you to register on Connect. This is a valuable learning tool that can be used to
help you succeed in this course. It contains an eBook and a SmartBook, which is extremely helpful in
targeting those areas in which each individual student needs more assistance.
Course Description: PSYC 2301 is a survey course of the basic principles underlying human
behavior. Emphasis is placed on major areas of study in the field of psychology, such as
learning, memory, personality, health and stress, child and adult development, and psychological
disorders. This course transfers as three (3) hours of credit to most other colleges and
universities.
Prerequisites: PSYC 2301 requires college-level reading and writing skills. Research indicates
that you are most likely to succeed if you have already taken and passed ENGL 1301. The
minimum requirements for enrollment in PSYC 2301 include placement in college-level reading
(or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and placement in college-level writing (or take ENGL
0310/0349 as a co-requisite). If you have enrolled in this course without having satisfied these
prerequisites, you are at higher risk of failure or withdrawal than students who have done so, and
you should carefully read and consider the repeater policy notice that follows.
Course Goals The goals of all psychology courses at Houston Community College are:
Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to
1. Succeed in advanced psychology courses that include related content and are required for an
undergraduate major in psychology
2. Succeed in advanced psychology and psychology-related courses that include related content
and are required in non-psychology majors such as nursing and education
3. Understand and evaluate psychological concepts that are covered in this course and are
featured in news reports, self-help materials, and as a part of the process of seeking and
engaging in psychotherapy
Student Learning Outcomes: The student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge in multiple (8) areas of psychology including concepts, facts and
theoretical perspectives.
2. Define and identify the basic research and evaluation methods used in psychology, including
the strengths and weaknesses of each method.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of and identify concepts related to personal development and the
development and behavior of others.
4. Apply psychological concepts to the solution of current issues and problems including ethics,
coping with stressful events, health and wellness, parenting, learning, memory, and /or evaluation
of media presentations.
Learning objectives
OBJECTIVES FOR SLO #1: Demonstrate knowledge in multiple (8) areas of psychology
including concepts, facts and theoretical perspectives.
CORE DOMAIN 1: THE SCIENCE OF PSYCHOLOGY
1. Major schools of thought in psychology
CORE DOMAIN 2: BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR
1. Components of the neuron
2. Components of the synapse
3. Action potential
4. Major neurotransmitters
5. Medulla
6. Cerebellum
7. Hypothalamus
8. Limbic system
9. Components of the cerebrum
10. Plasticity
11. Endocrine system
CORE DOMAIN 3: LEARNING
1. Learning
2. Reinforcement
3. Punishment
4. Observational learning
CORE DOMAIN 4: MEMORY
1. Characteristics of short-term memory
2. Characteristics of long-term memory
CORE DOMAIN 5: HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
1. Phases of prenatal development
2. Piaget's stages of cognitive development
3. Erikson's stages of psychosocial development
4. Alzheimer's disease
CORE DOMAIN 6: STRESS AND HEALTH
1. General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
2. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
CORE DOMAIN 7: PERSONALITY
1. Personality
2. Conscious, unconscious, preconscious mind
3. Id, ego, and superego
4. Freud's psychosexual stages
5. Big Five personality traits
CORE DOMAIN 8: ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR AND THERAPIES
1. Phobias
2. Panic disorder
3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
4. Dissociative identity disorder
5. Schizophrenia
6. Major subtypes of schizophrenia
7. Major depressive disorder
8. Bipolar disorder
9. Personality disorders
OBJECTIVES FOR SLO#2: Define and identify the basic research and evaluation methods used
in psychology, including the strengths and weaknesses of each method.
CORE DOMAIN 1: THE SCIENCE OF PSYCHOLOGY
1. Scientific method
2. Descriptive methods
3. Representative sample
4. Experimental method
CORE DOMAIN 2: BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR
1. Methods of studying the brain
CORE DOMAIN 3: LEARNING
1. Methods used by Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner
CORE DOMAIN 4: MEMORY
1. Recall
2. Recognition
CORE DOMAIN 6: STRESS AND HEALTH
1. Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS)
CORE DOMAIN 7: PERSONALITY
1. Objective tests (inventories)
2. Projective tests
CORE DOMAIN 8: ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR AND THERAPIES
1. Purpose, organization, and content of the DSM-IV
OBJECTIVE FOR SLO#3: Demonstrate knowledge of and identify concepts related to personal
development and the development and behavior of others.
CORE DOMAIN 1: THE SCIENCE OF PSYCHOLOGY
1. Differences among the major theoretical perspectives in psychology
CORE DOMAIN 2: BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR
1. Processes that occur when a neuron is activated
2. How neurotransmitters affect behavior
3. Functions of the frontal lobes
4. Difference between the central and peripheral nervous systems
5. Functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
6. How the pituitary gland affects behavior
7. How the adrenal glands affect behavior
CORE DOMAIN 3: LEARNING
1. How classical conditioning modifies an organism's responses to stimuli
2. How operant conditioning modifies an organism's responses to stimuli
3. Difference between positive and negative reinforcement
4. Factors that influence the effectiveness of punishment
CORE DOMAIN 4: MEMORY
1. Information-processing approach to memory
2. Reconstructive memory
3. The function of schemas
4. Causes of forgetting
CORE DOMAIN 5: HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
1. Effects of teratogens and other negative factors on prenatal development
2. Relationship between contact comfort and attachment
3. Differences among the various patterns of attachment
4. Difference between the social learning and gender schema theory explanations of gender
role development
5. Process of cognitive development as Piaget explained it
6. Proposed causes of Alzheimer's disease
CORE DOMAIN 6: STRESS AND HEALTH
1. Effects of stress on the immune system
2. Effects of daily hassles on stress
3. Factors that influence individual's capacity for resisting the effects of stress
CORE DOMAIN 7: PERSONALITY
1. Function of defense mechanisms in Freud's theory
2. Views of humanistic theorists regarding the personality
3. Bandura's concept of reciprocal determinism
CORE DOMAIN 8: ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR AND THERAPIES
1. Criteria for abnormal behavior
2. Possible causes of schizophrenia
3. Symptoms of major depressive disorder.
4. Symptoms of Bipolar disorder
OBJECTIVES FOR SLO#4: Apply psychological concepts to the solution of current issues and
problems including ethics, coping with stressful events, health and wellness, parenting, learning,
memory, and /or evaluation of media presentations.
CORE DOMAIN 1: THE SCIENCE OF PSYCHOLOGY
Students will apply
1. Ethical standards for psychological research
CORE DOMAIN 2: BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR
Students will apply
1. Principles of behavior genetics
CORE DOMAIN 3: LEARNING
Students will apply
1. Principles of behavior modification
CORE DOMAIN 4: MEMORY
Students will apply
1. Techniques for improving memory
CORE DOMAIN 5: HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Students will apply
1. Effects of the authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive parenting styles on children's
development
CORE DOMAIN 6: STRESS AND HEALTH
Students will apply
1. Difference between problem-focused and emotion-focused coping
CORE DOMAIN 7: PERSONALITY
Students will apply
1. Views of Abraham Maslow regarding self-actualization
CORE DOMAIN 8: ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR AND THERAPIES
Students will apply
Difference between psychologists and psychiatrists
Core Curriculum
PSYC 2301 satisfies the social science requirement in the HCCS core curriculum. The HCCS
Psychology Discipline Committee has specified that address the goals of the core curriculum as
follows:
*
Reading at the college level means having the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of
printed materials, books, and document. All students in PSYC 2301 are required to read
a college-level textbook.
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Writing at the college level means having the ability to produce clear, correct, and
coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience. In addition to knowing
correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, students should also become familiar with
the writing process, including how to discover a topic, how to develop and organize it,
and how to phrase it effectively for their audience. All instructors in PSYC 2301 include
at least one written assignment in their syllabi.
*
Effective speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive
language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience. Students in PSYC 2301 are
required to communicate about course content in formal or informal ways as determined
by the requirements of each instructor's course syllabus.
*
Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of
spoken communication. Students in PSYC 2301 are required to listen to presentations
and/or discussions of course content in formal or informal ways as determined by the
requirements of each instructor's course syllabus.
*
Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative and quantitative skills
analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and to
construct alternative strategies. Problem solving is one of the applications of critical
thinking used to address an identified task. Students in PSYC 2301 are required to
exhibit critical thinking in formal or informal ways as determined by the requirements of
each instructor's course syllabus.
*
Computer literacy at the college level means having the ability to use computer-based
technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Coreeducated students should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities
associated with the use of technology and should have the tools necessary to evaluate
and learn new technologies as they become available. Students in PSYC 2301 are
required to exhibit computer literacy in formal or informal ways as determined by the
requirements of each instructor's course syllabus.
HCC Policy Statement - ADA
Services to Students with Disabilities
Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are
encouraged to report to Dr. Becky Hauri, ADA Counselor, at 713.718.7910.
to make necessary arrangements. Faculty is only authorized to provide accommodations by the
Disability Support Service Office
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the coursework has
been learned, and that student is claiming an advantage not available to other students. The
instructor is responsible for measuring each student's individual achievements and also for
ensuring that all students compete on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has
teaching, grading, and enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the University's
Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with an
offense, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. Students are responsible for conducting
themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary
proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a student accused of scholastic
dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism,
and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes using a mobile internet access device during an examination as well
as:.
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Copying from another students’ test paper;
Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the
contents of a test that has not been administered;
Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of
that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work
offered for credit. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F in
the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal
from the College System. (See the Student Handbook)
HCC Policy Statements
Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class! Attending class regularly is the best
way to succeed in this class. Research has shown that the single most important factor in
student success is attendance. Simply put, going to class greatly increases your ability to
succeed. You are expected to attend all lecture and labs regularly. You are responsible for
materials covered during your absences. Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is your
responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to drop you for
excessive absences.
If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. As the information that is
discussed in class is important for your career, students may be dropped from a course after
accumulating absences in excess of 12.5% hours of instruction. The six hours of class time would
include any total classes missed or for excessive tardiness or leaving class early. Your instructor
is NOT required to notify you prior to completing the drop. If you have missed more than 12.5%
of the hours of instruction, you will need to check with the instructor to see if you have been
dropped.
You may decide NOT to come to class for whatever reason. As an adult making the decision not
to attend, you do not have to notify the instructor prior to missing a class. However, if this
happens too many times, you may find that you have “lost” the class.
Poor attendance records tend to correlate with poor grades. If you miss any class, including the
first week, you are responsible for all material missed. It is a good idea to find a friend or a buddy
in class who would be willing to share class notes or discussion or be able to hand in paper if you
unavoidably miss a class.
Class attendance equals class success.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course prior to
the final date of withdrawal. Before you withdraw from your course; please take the time to meet
with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be able to
provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the course. Your success is
very important. Beginning in fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time
entering freshmen to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational
career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert
process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class
because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. It is your responsibility to
visit with your professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be
available to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in
class and improve your academic performance.
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST go to the PeopleSoft Registration site and
fill out the online forms prior to the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript.
**Final withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or depending on class length, please visit
the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes and catalog, any HCC Registration
Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines.” If you do not withdraw
before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are making in the class as your final
grade.
Repeat Course Fee
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed
classes. To increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice,
are required to pay extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students to
pass their courses and to graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to
students registering the third or subsequent time for a course. If you are considering course
withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as
early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills,
attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be
available.
Classroom Behavior
As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared responsibility to develop and
maintain a positive learning environment for everyone. Your instructor takes this responsibility
very seriously and will inform members of the class if their behavior makes it difficult for him/her
to carry out this task. As a fellow learner, you are asked to respect the learning needs of your
classmates and assist your instructor achieve this critical goal.
Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices
As a student active in the learning community of this course, it is your responsibility to be
respectful of the learning atmosphere in your classroom. To show respect of your fellow students
and instructor, you will turn off your phone and other electronic devices, and will not use these
devices in the classroom unless you receive permission from the instructor.
Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in
classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing
occurs. Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable
accommodation should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for information regarding
reasonable accommodations
Instructor Requirements
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
 Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades
are to be derived
 Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions, and
lectures
 Description of any special projects or assignments
 Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness & make up
 Provide the course outline, and class calendar with assignments
 Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities
 Read and comprehend the textbook
 Complete the required assignments and exams:
 Ask for help when there is a question or problem
 Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all assignments
GRADES
There are 4 regular tests scheduled. The best 3 out of 4 test grades will be calculated into your final grade.
Lowest test grade will be dropped (Test 1, 2, 3, or 4). Because the lowest test grade is dropped, there will
be no make-up exams. Try your best to not miss any tests and to do your best!
Best 3 out of 4 Tests @ 15% each
Quizzes
Research Paper
Final Exam
TOTAL
45%
15%
20%
20%
100%
A minimum raw score of 50% correct must be earned on the final exam in order to have the possibility of
passing this class. If you earn 49% or lower on the final exam, you will automatically get an F regardless of
all previous grades that you have earned in the class. If you earn a raw score of 50% or higher on the final
exam, it does not guarantee a passing course grade. Your final exam score will be averaged in with the rest
of the semester’s grades to determine your final grade, using the formula which appears on above.
Final grade will be converted into letter grades as follows:
90-100% =A; 80-89% =B; 70-79% =C; 60-69% =D; 0-59% =F
QUIZZES
You will have 4 short-answer quizzes during class as stated in the schedule. Each quiz will have 10
questions and are worth 25 points each. Those points will be totaled for a possible 100 points. The
questions will only come from the lecture notes, sometimes before we cover it in class. Because of this,
only the information already provided on the outlines will be on the quizzes. A review for each quiz will be
posted on the learning web. Therefore, you will be able, and also encouraged, to study early for the
quizzes. Please view the quizzes as a form of studying before the tests and an opportunity to do well.
Quizzes will be given at the beginning of class and will be timed. You will need your own paper to write
your answers on for the quiz, so please come prepared! Please be on time so you are able to have the
full amount of time given for the quiz!
TESTING
The tests will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions. The questions will come from the book and lectures.
You can access a review for every test on my learning web page. The final exam will consist of 100
questions of the same format and will be comprehensive. You will need a Scantron Form 882-E for each
test, including the final exam.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON TIME FOR ALL TESTS. IF YOU ARE LATE, YOU ARE GIVING YOURSELF
LESS TIME TO TAKE THE TEST!!
RESEARCH PAPER
To ensure the highest possible grade, follow these strict requirements for the paper:
 3 pages of text, but no more than 4 pages of text (this does not include the title or reference page)
 Typed, 12-pt. font, double-spaced
 Title page with title, name, date, class day and time, centered in 12-pt font.
 Reference page in APA format (APA is different from MLA so be sure to know the difference!)
 Citations within text in APA format; any information used from sources must be cited within the
text. You only have to cite the author(s) names of the printed journal article, not the ones within the
article.
 Sources: 2 peer-reviewed/scientific journal articles dated 2000 or more current. You are allowed to
use more than 2 articles but you must adhere to the requirements for all articles used. A copy of the
source must be turned in. Any of the information that is used from the sources must be
highlighted within the sources, not your typed paper, no matter how minute the information!
 Do not use Google, Yahoo, Bing or any other internet search engine similar to these.
 Sources cannot be from a book, newspaper or “popular” magazine (i.e., Newsweek, Wall Street
Journal, Forbes, Psychology Today, etc.). Also, no book reviews or editorials are allowed.
 Do not write in 1st person (using “I” or “me”); write in 3rd person
 No personal experiences allowed.
 Conclusion: must be your opinion of your research findings and you are allowed to use 1 st person here.
Must be a well-developed paragraph stating more than just if you agree or disagree with your research
findings; must be at least ½ a page
 Use correct grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, etc.
 The majority of the paper should be paraphrased, meaning you tell in your own words what the author
has said, without your opinion, and include a citation at the end of the paraphrase. Even though you
are putting it in your own words, remember that it is not your original idea so you must cite where the
information came from
 Turn in paper in a light-colored (no dark blue or black) folder with pockets and prongs
 Hole-punch your research paper and place the paper in the prongs; staple the sources individually and
place in the pockets of the folder
 Write your name, date, and class day and time on the front of the folder where it is easily visible
You will receive a failing grade if:
 Plagiarize
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Do not turn in correct/approved article
Information within the sources is not highlighted
If paper is written with incorrect source (not a correct/approved article)
More requirements for paper will be given during the semester so stay posted!!!!
IF YOUR PAPER IS LATE, 10 POINTS WILL BE DEDUCTED FOR EVERY DAY THAT IT IS LATE!
YOUR PAPER IS CONSIDERED LATE IF IT IS NOT TURNED IN BY THE BEGINNING OF CLASS!
ATTENDANCE AND DROP POLICY
It is very important that you attend class. If you have to miss a class, it is your responsibility to get the
material/notes that you missed. Please do not contact me for the notes. I do not give out my notes to
students. It is your responsibility to take good notes or obtain them from another student in the class if you
are absent. It is also important that you arrive to class on time to avoid being marked absent or missing
important information or announcements usually given at the beginning of class.
I do not drop students so it is your responsibility to drop the class if you are unable to continue in the class.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Week 1 -
August 25-27
Introduction
Chapters 1 & 2 – Introduction and Research Methods
Week 2-
September 01-03
Chapters 1 & 2 – Introduction and Research Methods
Week 3-
September 08-10
Chapter 3 – Biology and Behavior
Thursday-Quiz 1 over Chapter 3
Week 4-
September 15-17
TEST 1-TUESDAY
Chapter 6 - Learning
Week 5-
September 22-24
Chapter 6 - Learning
Thursday-Quiz 2 over Chapter 6
Week 6-
September 29-October 01
Chapter 7 – Memory
Week 7-
October 06-08
TEST 2-TUESDAY
Chapter 9 – Lifespan Development
Week 8-
October 13-15
Chapter 9 – Lifespan Development
Thursday-Quiz 3 over Chapter 9
Week 9-
October 20-22
Chapter 12 – Personality
Week 10 -
October 27-29
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW – OCTOBER 30
TEST 3-TUESDAY
Chapter 13 – Social Psychology
Week 11 -
November 03-05
Chapter 13 – Social Psychology
Week 12 -
November 10-12
RESEARCH PAPERS DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS ON TUESDAY, 11/10
Chapter 17 – Health Psychology
Week 13 -
November 17-19
Chapter 15 – Psychological Disorders
Week 14 -
November 24-26
Quiz 4 on Tuesday over Chapter 15
Week 15 -
December 01-03
TEST 4-TUESDAY
OVERVIEW OF GRADES-THURSDAY
Week 16-
December 10-12
FINAL EXAM-THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 AT 8 A.M.
***This schedule is tentative and may be changed during the course of the semester. You are responsible
for getting the changes if you miss a class.***
NOTES